Step FourSustainable Action Plans

"Never
doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change
the world: indeed it's the only thing that ever has."Margaret Mead

You have worked hard to reach this point. The community has assessed
its strengths and weakness in Step 1, illustrated a probable scenario
in Step 2, and through consensus, created a Vision Statement in
Step 3. Now you are ready for action. Action plans translate the visions
of the future into action oriented items.

While there is no "cookbook" approach to action planning, an
action plan should provide goals and objectives, identify issues and concerns,
list recommended actions, and assign responsibility for the work to be
done. Timeframes may be set for priority actions. The action plan may
also include estimated financial costs and resources needed for implementation.

While some communities may develop one comprehensive action plan, other
communities may choose to develop a number of action plans, for instance,
plans for historic preservation, pollution prevention and recycling, and
the local economy. Each action plan will be part of the larger strategy
for the community. Sample action plans for key sustainability issues are
found in the Tools section.

The City of Gresham, Oregon in suburban Portland has developed an action
planning document as part of their "Envision Gresham Project."
Their plans are plainly stated and include items such as: recommended
action items; responsibility; time line; resources; obstacles; and stakeholders.
Combined, their action items describe a clear direction for moving from
vision to implementation.

While developing good action plans is important, it is not enough. Action
plans turn visions into reality only through implementation. The adage
of good plans "gathering dust" on the bookshelf is a constant
source of frustration for planners, government officials and citizens
striving for better communities. We address implementing plans in the
next and last Step, Let's Go !